10 Best Places to Live in the US in 2025

Pack your bags because your American Dream just got a 2025 upgrade! Over 35% of Americans plan to move this year. Why? Affordability tops the list, with 87% seeking lower living costs. Political climate also factors in, with 48% saying it influences their decision.

From booming tech hubs to serene coastal towns, the right place depends on what you value most. Whether it’s vibrant culture, safety, or scenic beauty, we have listed the best places to live in the US in 2025. Let’s dive in and find the perfect place for you to live in!

What Are the Best Places to Live in the US?

^{*These cities are ranked based on our research methodology.}

To simplify your search in the US housing market, we’ve sorted the top 10 cities into four categories: for young adults, for single families, for retirees, and the best big cities to live in USA. Each city is evaluated based on career opportunities, affordability, community wellbeing, and lifestyle.

3 Best Places to Live in the US for Young Adults 💼

1. Huntsville, Alabama

• Median House Price: $324k
• Cost of Living: 0.90% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of US states.
• Unemployment: 4.60%
• Walkability Score: 24; it is a car-dependent city.

The Rocket City is taking off! With 14.5% of the workforce in professional services sector and 12.9% in healthcare, it offers diverse career opportunities. Plus, with a median home price 22.4% below the US average, it’s one of the great places for young adults to live in.

You can start your weekend with a hike at Monte Sano State Park for a scenic escape. Then, explore the Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment Center’s unique exhibits. Wrap up the evening at the Von Braun Center, which offers major concerts and comedy shows.

» Huntsville, Alabama Homes for Sale: Find homes in the best state to live in the US.

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Median House Price: $220k
• Cost of Living: 3% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 5% of US states.
• Unemployment: 5.70%
• Walkability Score: 62; it is somewhat walkable.

Home to tech giants like Google and Facebook’s AI research lab, the ‘Steel City’ is a tech powerhouse! This makes it one of the best places to live in the US for young adults. Moreover, with a median home price 47.3% below the US median, it is highly affordable.

Outside of work, you can explore the Carnegie Museum of Art to see contemporary works. For a burst of local culture, you can attend the Three Rivers Arts Festival. It features live music, art installations, and food vendors along Point State Park.

» Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Homes for Sale: Look for properties in one of the best places to live in America.

3. Charlotte, North Carolina

• Median House Price: 405k
• Cost of Living: 3.5% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 3% of US states.
• Unemployment: 4.70%
• Walkability Score: 26; it is a car-dependent city.

Welcome to the Queen City, where opportunity wears the crown! Healthcare employs 11.7% of residents, followed by Retail at 10.9%. Plus, housing expenses are 13% below the US median. This makes it one of the best places to live in the United States for young adults.

Start your weekend at Freedom Park where you can hike its scenic trails. Then, you can explore the its history at the Levine Museum of the New South. Finally, end your day with a meal in Uptown, known for its Southern cuisine.

» Charlotte, North Carolina Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best cities to live in America.

3 Best Places to Raise a Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

1. Madison, Wisconsin

• Median House Price: $400k
• Cost of Living: 11.3% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 12% of US states.
• Unemployment: 2.60%
• Walkability Score: 50; it is somewhat walkable.

In the City of Four Lakes, it’s not just the waters that flow—your career and future do too! Its schools outperform 51.8% of all US school districts. Plus, home prices 4.3% below the US median make Madison one of the best cities to raise a family in the US.

On the weekend, you can take a boat out on Lake Mendota for a family outing. You can also visit the Henry Vilas Zoo to see exotic animals up close. In the evening, you can explore the city’s thriving arts scene at the Overture Center for the Arts.

» Madison, Wisconsin Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the best places to live in USA.

2. Green Bay, Wisconsin

• Median House Price: $247k
• Cost of Living: 3.7% ⬇️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 21% of US states.
• Unemployment: 4.10%
• Walkability Score: 42; it is a car-dependent city.

The Packers aren’t the only ones bringing families together in Green Bay. Homes cost 40.9% less than the US median, which contributes heavily too. Its schools also outperform 33.5% of US school districts. These factors make it one of the best places in America to raise a family.

You can catch a game at the famous Lambeau Field and experience the crowd’s excitement. On the weekend, you can take the family to the Duck Creek Quarry for a swim or picnic. You can also explore the beautiful trails at the Nature Center.

» Green Bay, Wisconsin Homes for Sale: Find top properties in one of the best cities in America.

3. Boise, Idaho

• Median House Price: $510k
• Cost of Living: 1.2% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 29% of US states.
• Unemployment: 3.80%
• Walkability Score: 92; it is a very walkable city.

Surrounded by the scenic Boise Mountains, the city is a breath of fresh air—literally! But there’s more! Healthcare is the major industry and employs 15.3% of the workforce. Plus, schools here outperform 68.7% of US districts, which makes it perfect for families.

Besides, you can explore nearby trails on the weekend. You can also visit the Basque Block downtown to celebrate its vibrant heritage. Oh, and don’t miss out on the Boise River Festival held every June! Here, you can enjoy a range of live music and family-friendly activities.

» Boise, Idaho Homes for Sale: Explore homes in one of the good places to live in America.

2 Best Places to Retire in the US 🏖️

1. Naples, Florida

• Median House Price: $825k
• Cost of Living: 2% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of US states.
• Unemployment: 2.50%
• Walkability Score: 35; it is a car-dependent city.

Naples offers more than just sun and sand—it’s a retirement haven. The NCH Healthcare System provides exceptional elderly care services. This includes a wide range of retirement-focused facilities, which makes it the best place to retire in USA.

Besides, it is a golfer’s paradise with over 90 golf courses. Begin your weekends teeing off at the prestigious Tiburon Golf Club, or bask in the greenery at the Naples Grande Golf Club. You can also explore art galleries at Fifth Avenue South, like the Harmon-Meek Gallery.

» Naples, Florida Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best states in the US to live.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

• Median House Price: $555k
• Cost of Living: 4.9% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 14% of US states.
• Unemployment: 3.70%
• Walkability Score: 40; it is a car-dependent city.

With healthcare costs 14% below the US median, Charleston is a perfect place to retire. Moreover, it is home to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC Health), which provides comprehensive elder care. This ensures that top-tier healthcare is within reach.

You can start your day by taking a stroll through the scenic Waterfront Park. And don’t miss the Spoleto Festival, held every year in late May. Here, you can experience world-class performances in theater, opera, and dance by internationally acclaimed artists.

» Charleston, South Carolina Homes for Sale: Browse homes in one of the best places to live in US.

2 Best Big Cities to Live in USA 🌆

1. Virginia Beach, Virginia

• Median House Price: $371k
• Cost of Living: 13.2% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 24% of US states.
• Unemployment: 4.30%
• Walkability Score: 33; it is a car-dependent city.

Virginia Beach offers affordable living, with home prices 11.24% below the US median. Moreover, with strong job sectors in education, retail, and defense, it boasts a robust and stable economy. This makes it one of the best big cities to live in America.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Virginia Beach is hard to beat. With 35 miles of coastline, you will have endless options for water-based activities. On the weekends, visit the Virginia Beach Amphitheater to enjoy concerts, or discover new artists.

» Virginia Beach, Virginia Homes for Sale: Explore houses in one of the greatest cities in the US.

2. Raleigh, North Carolina

• Median House Price: $400k
• Cost of Living: 7.9% ⬆️ than the national average.
• Crime Rate: Safer than 8% of US states.
• Unemployment: 4.50%
• Walkability Score: 31; it is a car-dependent city.

Raleigh is not only affordable, but it also offers a dynamic job market. Professional services and healthcare are key sectors, which employ 12.5% and 11.7% of the population respectively. Plus, its median home price is 4.31% below the US median.

The city also has much to offer besides work! You can explore the North Carolina Museum of Art for its impressive collection of contemporary exhibits. And don’t miss out on the World Beer Festival, held annually in April! It offers tastings from over 100 breweries.

» Raleigh, North Carolina Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the best cities to live in the US.

So, Where Is the Best Place to Live in the US?

Huntsville (Alabama), Madison (Wisconsin), and Green Bay (Wisconsin) are among the best cities to live in the US. They offer a comfortable life with affordable living costs, growing job markets, and excellent quality of life.

With the current low mortgage rate of 6.8%, home-buying demand is also rising across the US. So, to make your offer stand out from the competition, you must get a mortgage pre-approval.

Browse Homes for Sale in the US by Price and Type 📢

Price	Homes for Sale in the US Under $200K	Homes for Sale in the US Under $300K	Homes for Sale in the US Under $400K
Type	Cabins for Sale in the US	Tiny Homes for Sale in the US	Farms for Sale in the US

Research Methodology for the Best Places to Live in the US

This study ranks cities using a weighted average scoring model based on eight parameters. We’ve linked the resources used in our study of the best places to live in the US:

• Redfin^[1]: Median House Price
• Zipatlas^[2]: Population, Median Income, Expenses, Unemployment Rate
• Salary.com^[3]: Cost of Living
• Sharecare^[4]: Community Well-Being
• Neighborhoodscout^[5]: Crime Index Score

The total score for each city combines a weighted score for its rank. Here’s the weightage: population (10%), home price (20%), income (20%), expenses (15%), unemployment (15%), cost of living (10%), crime index (5%), and well-being (5%).

Additionally, we have listed the good cities to live in the US for varying demographics. These include the best places to live for families, young adults, and retirees.

Frequently Asked Questions